PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Pentium G3460T vs Xeon E5420 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Pentium G3460T vs Xeon E5420: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Pentium G3460T

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $7,145 less on MSRP ($69 MSRP vs $7,214 MSRP).
✅Delivers 10314.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.5 vs 0.3 PassMark/$ ($69 MSRP vs $7,214 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 80W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,036 vs 2,044).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5420, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads and 32 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5420

2007

Why buy it

✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads, plus 32 PCIe lanes vs 0.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (32 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 0.3 vs 29.5 PassMark/$ ($7,214 MSRP vs $69 MSRP).
❌128.6% higher power demand at 80W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5420 better than Pentium G3460T?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5420 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Pentium G3460T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5420 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% more average FPS across 43 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5420 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon E5420 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5420 comes in 10355.1% more expensive on MSRP at $7,214 MSRP versus $69 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3460T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 10314.2% better value on paper (29.5 vs 0.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium G3460T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium G3460T vs Xeon E5420 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Pentium G3460T

The Pentium G3460T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,036 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon E5420

The Xeon E5420 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,044 points. Launch price was $316.

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Processing Power

The Pentium G3460T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon E5420 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5420 has 2 more cores. The Xeon E5420 is built on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium G3460T scores 2,036 against the Xeon E5420's 2,044 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E5420. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Pentium G3460T vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5420.

Feature	Pentium G3460T	Xeon E5420
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	—	2.5 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+20%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	12 MB L2 Cache+300%
L2 Cache	—	6 MB (total)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	—	Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark	2,036	2,044
Geekbench 6 Single	—	314
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	881

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium G3460T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5420 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Pentium G3460T	Xeon E5420
Socket	LGA1150	LGA771
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	4
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	32

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Pentium G3460T) / Yes (Xeon E5420).

Feature	Pentium G3460T	Xeon E5420
Integrated GPU	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	Yes

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium G3460T was priced at $69, while the Xeon E5420 came in at $7214. On launch pricing ($69 vs $7214), Pentium G3460T was $7145 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G3460T delivers 29.5 pts/$ vs 0.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E5420 — making the Pentium G3460T the 196.2% better value option.

Feature	Pentium G3460T	Xeon E5420
MSRP	$69-99%	$7214
Performance per Dollar	29.5+9733%	0.3
Release Date	2015	2007

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